Design

On April 8, 1940, both Grumman (XTBF-1) and Chance Vought (XTBU-1) were asked to construct prototypes of a carrier based torpedo plane. The aircraft was to replaced the TBD Devastator and carry the torpedo inside the aircraft. Grumman had more experience at building Naval aircraft and their design won out.

Bomb bay

The bomb bay doors were hydraulically operated by the pilot or the bombardier.

Undercarriage

The main and rear wheels all retracted. The tail hook was electrically operated.

Wings

The wings were folded hydraulically. The Avenger was the first Naval plane to be an all metal low wing aircraft.

Prototype

The XTBF-1 prototype was first flown on August 1, 1941.

Production

Before the first prototype flew an order for 286 had been placed. An order for 1,600 was placed in January 1942.

The TBF-1 first flew in January 1942.

General Motors Eastern Aircraft starting building the TBMs in November 1942. Grumman stopped production in December 1943.

Grumman TBM-3: Produced by General Motors (Eastern Division). Had R-2600-20 engines. Stronger wings for rockets or radar.

Grumman TBM-3P: Camera equipped.

Grumman TBM-3H: Had search radar.

Grumman TBM-3W: After World War II. Had search radar. The radar was located in a special housing in the belly.

Grumman TBM-3R: After World War II. Had seating for seven.

Usage

The Avengers were used by Britain, New Zealand, and the United States.

TBF Avengers either destroyed or shared in the destruction of 42 U-boats.

High velocity aircraft rockets (HVARs) were first used by the Avenger in January 1944.

The TBF Avenger was in use with the United States Navy until 1954.

First Unit at Midway

The VT-8 received its first TBF-1s in May 1942. These were later used at the Battle of Midway.

They were stationed on the USS Hornet, and five of the six never returned.
They were assigned to the VT-8, of the USS Hornet, but they were assigned to Midway Island during the battle. Four of the six didn't return from battle.

United States

Former US President George Bush was the youngest naval aviator when he flew in combat.

Replacements

Starting in early 1944 the TBMs were replacing the TBFs.

United Kingdom

Initially called the Tarpon, but was later changed to the Avenger.

Thirty three squadrons were equipped with the Avenger in the Royal Navy Fleet Air Arm.

921 / 958 were delivered to the United Kingdom. 395 TBF-1Bs and 526 TBM-3Bs.

New Zealand

New Zealand received 60 / 63.

After World War II

The Avenger was used by Canada, France, Holland, Japan, New Zealand, and Uruguay.